With the Arctic cold, snow, and winds our area has been enduring in recent weeks, we have received a number of calls about failed or malfunctioning garage doors and garage door openers. So, before you decide to call us to come out and service your garage door, which is going to cost you at minimum our basic service fee, let’s run through some general troubleshooting that will help resolve the problem while saving you money.

1. Before attempting to open your garage door, either manually or with a garage door opener, make sure to clear away all ice and snow along the bottom edge of the door. Otherwise, the weather-stripping can become frozen in place and be damaged when you try to raise the door.
2. Lubricate the tracks, wheels, hinges, and other pinch points, preferably with silicone spray, but 3-in-1 oil will also work. This general maintenance should be performed a couple of times a year to keep all parts moving smoothly, especially in the case of double wide (2-car) doors, which are heavier and have more pinch points that can bind up if they are not properly lubricated.
3. Bear in mind that after about 5-7 years, the springs on your garage door may need to be replaced, as over time they will break. This is normal, unfortunately, regardless of manufacturer, and you will have to pay for the cost of the new springs as well as the technician to install the new springs.
4. If your power garage door will not open or close properly (stops and reverses direction), this generally means that the sensors have become misaligned and need to be corrected. This can happen especially in the winter, when ice and snow can bump the sensors out of alignment, but it is a relatively easy fix. Simply locate the sensors near the bottom of each side of the door. If the lights are flashing or not lit, this means the sensors are not communicating properly. Simply move the sensor slightly until the light stays lit, and activate the door to see if it now operates properly. It may take a couple of adjustments and is often easier if you have someone on each side to adjust the sensors.
5. If the opener does not respond to your remote control, first off, replace the batteries in the remote. You may then need to reprogram the remote. Check your owner’s manual for simple directions. If you don’t have a manual, you can generally locate and download one from the internet for free in most cases. If replacing the batteries does not solve the problem, most hardware and big box home improvement stores carry replacement garage door opener remotes. Again, you will have to program the remote to your particular opener.
6. If none of these easy corrections resolve your problem, it may be necessary to replace your garage door opener completely, which is going to cost you around $400. If that’s not in the budget right now, you can always disengage the electric opener and go old school, operating the door manually. Remember, though, that this means there is no locking mechanism active on your garage door, so you will have to find a way to secure your door until you can replace the unit.

Whether you need to replace your entire garage door system (after all, accidents do happen, particularly in winter), or just the opener, we can help you select the product that best meets your needs. For a free, professional consultation, visit our website at www.evergreenwindow.com or call us at (708) 423-1720, and we will be happy to help!